Bank holidays and barbecues

We have just had the most perfect weekend this weekend. When the weather is rubbish in England I always dream of warmer climes but I must admit there is just something about a good old British summer’s day (or a warm day in Spring) that is just perfection for me. As I write this I’m looking out at a clear, azure sky, the smell of barbecues wafting through the open window and blackbirds singing in the trees. Our weekend has been full of good friends, family, bare arms, happy dogs, bare feet on grass and barbecues. You just can’t beat it.

S a t u r d a y

On Saturday we went to our friends Kate and Steve’s house – Tom and Steve went for a long bike ride and Kate and I took her girls (Sophie and Daisy) to the park. Here are the three of them on the see-saw; I am the other end (the implication was not that I am the same weight as three humans, I don’t think…)

Of course after all their bike-riding and our swinging and going down slides (oh yes, I went down a slide), we had worked up an appetite, and so the barbecue was whacked on and filled with Kate’s homemade burgers and yummy sausages from the Butchers…

Our job was to provide salad and dessert and so we went a bit crazy in Waitrose – the highlight was this raspberry and chocolate cake, and the mini chocolate eclairs!

S u n d a y

On Sunday we headed to my parents house for another barbecue, and to deposit Bodhi as they are looking after him whilst we’re away on holiday. It was such a beautiful day, and when the sun is out, my parents’ garden is one of my favourite places to be.

A bit of a mish mash outfit but I’d bought the hat that morning from M&S and I couldn’t resist throwing it on…

My Dad cooked a pork loin (with loads of crackling!) on the barbecue and we had it with my Mum’s homemade barbecue sauce, coleslaw and potato salad… yum.

It was such a beautiful afternoon and a perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunshine.

I also had a little sit in my Dad’s new car, I want one!

Of course Bodhi was over the moon to be able to spend some time with his pal Henry. It’s the third time they’ve met (Henry is only 3 months old) but they’ve really started to get the hang of playing together – playing tug of war with toys and leaping and galloping around the garden together.

Tom made sure to fit in cuddles with Henry and Bodhi, and the second photo is Bodhi and Henry snaffling treats from my Mum on the beach!

The sunset was beautiful on our evening dog walk.

This morning we had a yummy breakfast of croissants and jam before heading back home. It always feels very quiet in the house when Bodhi isn’t here! Today has been spent doing several rounds of washing and ironing and starting to pack for holiday (we leave on Wednesday). I’ve scheduled in a few posts for whilst I’m away (I know you all started panicking there at the prospect of no me for a whole week, nahhhhtttt).